The Ozark Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America collected 25,219 pounds of food, the equivalent of more than 21,000 meals.

According to a news release, 19,770 pounds from the March donation drive will benefit the Ozarks Food Harvest and partner organizations. This is the 25th year this drive has been held.

"The increase in food donations and community support this year was incredible," said John Feick, Scout executive, in the release. "We are proud of the Scouts who helped make this increase possible and for the partnership with our local Food Bank."

More than 450 Scouts in southwest Missouri participated by collecting food and cash donations.

More than 50 Scouts and leaders hosted food drives at Walmart Supercenter locations in Springfield and Ozark, and at a Walmart Neighborhood Market in Springfield. The one-day Walmart drive collected 3,273 pounds of food and $1,847 in donations for Ozarks Food Harvest.

OFH receives grant from Caterpillar Foundation

Ozarks Food Harvest received a $15,000 gift from the Caterpillar Foundation to help bring more food to people struggling with hunger in the Ozarks, including the West Plains area, which is home to a Caterpillar facility.

"We are so appreciative of the support from organizations like the Caterpillar Foundation, which helps us keep food on our neighbors' tables," Denise Gibson, development director at Ozarks Food Harvest, said in a news release.

"This gift is especially important as food insecurity continues to remain high in the Ozarks. The grant will help us fulfill our mission to transform hunger into hope for more people in need in communities we serve."

According to the USDA, 49 million people in the U.S. struggle with hunger, including 170,000 people in Ozarks Food Harvest's 28-county service area. According to the release, in southwest Missouri, one in four children are food insecure.

Seven projects given grants from CFO

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks gave $50,000 to seven projects for the 2014 Community Innovation Grant awards.

The projects were selected from 23 proposals totaling about $193,700. They demonstrated innovation and collaboration to improve the Springfield-Greene County area.

The following organizations were given grants:

• Community Partnership of the Ozarks: $12,000

• Greene County Extension: $5,000

• Springfield Community Gardens: $12,000

• Tree City USA: $5,000

• Ozarks Regional Food Policy Council/CoxHealth: $4,900

• Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri: $10,000

• University of Missouri/Greene County Council: $1,100

Send items for Helping Hands to Christine Temple at webeditor@news-leader.com.